The Safe Environment Program

The Safe Environment program seeks to provide a safe environment for all adults and children connected with the Diocese.

The ADULT program, known as VIRTUS, educates adults on the fast changing technologies and grooming behaviors used by predators to lure their victims. Background checks set up an additional barrier for those who seek access to children to abuse them.

The CHILDREN are trained by the The Family Nurturing Center and the Council on Child Abuse of Southern Ohio. These professionals are equipped to speak to children in age-appropriate and non-threatening ways to give them knowledge and skills to speak up during the grooming stage before abuse happens and to speak up if abuse does happen to a trusted adult. If these two groups are not available, school counselors may present lessons posted on the Diocese of Covington Safe Environment website.

Research indicates that these programs are not lessening abuse BUT research does show that people are speaking up sooner which lessens the long term impact of abuse.

Also, anyone who ministers within the Diocese is screened before being allowed to function. This includes priests, deacons, and lay speakers.

Those who have been sexually abused by Diocesan personnel in the past have access to counseling by contacting the Victim Assistance Coordinator (859-392-1515). The abusers have no incentive to care. It is up to the rest of us to create a safe environment.

Reporting Misconduct in the Diocese of Covington

Anyone who has experienced sexual misconduct by a cleric, employee, religious or volunteer of the Diocese of Covington is asked to contact Ms. Margie Schack, diocesan victims assistance coordinator (859) 392-1515 . Professional assistance and pastoral support will be provided in confidentiality and with respect.

A copy of the “Diocesan Policies and Procedures for Addressing Sexual Misconduct” is available by contacting the Safe Environment Office, (859) 392-1515 or in Adobe format by clicking here.